A dream come true experience for someone who adores the mountains may be a trip to Gangtok. Sikkim's capital, Gangtok, is located in the eastern Himalayan range at a height of 5500 feet above sea level. You can't help but be charmed by the magic that the Mount Himalayas possess. It is breathtaking to see Khangchendzonga from Gangtok. Gangtok's name translates to "lofty hill." It gained notoriety after Enchey Monastery was built in the year 1840 and became into a well-liked Buddhist pilgrimage site. These are the top ten attractions in Gangtok.
1. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
Khangchendzonga National Park and Biosphere Reserve gets its name from its location at Mount Kanchendzonga, which is the 3rd highest peak in the world. The park covers an area of 849.5 sq kilometers and contains many glaciers. The reserve is a home to a multiple unique species of flora and fauna with around 550 species of native and migratory birds.
2. Tsomgo Lake
The glacial Tsomgo Lake is located at an altitude of 3,780 meters above sea level. It is also called as Changu Lake and is crossed by the Nathu la Pass on the north. The Chinese border is pretty close to this lake with a small distance of only 5 kilometers, but is however 18 kilometers by road. There is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva here and it is also a habitat to the brahminy ducks.
3. Tashi View Point
If you want to experience some of the most breathtaking and awe inspiring views of the Himalayas you must come to Tashi View Point in gangtok. It is simply a circular viewing point where a maximum of four people can stand at a time. Nevertheless, the spot provides a brilliant panoramic view of the Kanchendzonga Mountain on a clear day.
4. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
As the name implies, the Sikkim tourism department has founded a special sanctuary for Rhododendrons and it was amazing to see so many varieties of the flower at one spot. It is a picturesque landscape with the Yumthang River flowing through it. It has approximately 40 different species of Rhododendron and the best time to visit would be between April and May.
5. Saramsa Garden
Saramsa Garden was established in 1922 and has served various purposes. Today, it serves the purpose of the gangtok tourism department to promote floriculture. It is a great picnic and recreation spot and can be enjoyed with family and friends. It is situated 14 kilometers from gangtok on the Pakyong Road.
6. Ganesh Tok View Point
Ganesh Tok is a little sanctuary devoted to Master Ganesh; as a matter of fact it is little to the point that only one individual can creep into the sanctuary at a time. Notwithstanding, the primary thing to be sees here is its interesting area which behaves like a perspective. Situated at an elevation of 6,500 meters above ocean level and from here you can observer the absolute most stunning all encompassing perspectives on the town underneath.
7. Nathula Pass
The mighty mountain pass of Nathu La is located at an astonishing height of approximately 4,310 meters above sea level and is considered to be one of the highest motor able mountain passes in the world. The pass is open to the citizens of India and a special permit is needed for the foreign tourists.
8. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
The Wildlife Sanctuary is located between Nathu la pass and the aforementioned Changu or Tsomgo Lake. The place is a brilliant location for wanderers who like to get engulfed by the natural beauty of the Himalayas. It contains a vast number of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna and covers an area of 31 sq kilometers.
9. Hanuman Tok
Located on the upper reaches of Gangtok, Hanuman Tok is a temple complex dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the mighty Monkey god. This temple was built as the site is considered as the spot Lord hanuman rested while carrying the mountain with the “Sanjeevani†herb. It is notable as it is maintained and frequented by the soldiers of the Indian Army.
10. Himalayan Zoological Park
The zoo with a typical rise of 2,134 meters above ocean level is the most noteworthy of all high height zoos in India. It was opened in 1958 and spends significant time in hostage reproducing of the jeopardized creatures tracked down in the high district. Imperiled species like the Red Panda and Snow Panther are reared here in imprisonment.
Best Time to Visit Gangtok
In spite of the fact that Gangtok experiences a high tourist season from June to September, the best times to come are during the brisk fall months of September and October and the spring and summer months of March to June.
